The Confessions of a Robotics Addict

Just graduated- You did it! Yes, it’s incredibly exciting to be starting college and to move onto the next chapter of your life, and yet so sad to others to be leaving their team they’ve known for so long. When you go off, don’t forget where you came from, where you learned so much and gained a family like no other, and most importantly remember to GIVE BACK! Support the team that created you and helped you get so incredibly far in life. Even if you can’t be there in person as a mentor, spread the word, find another team in you area to mentor, just stay in love with our sport for the mind! And keep in touch! This is a family for life, and they were there for you in high school and will be there for you after.

Are now seniors- This is it.. the pressure is on full force, it’s your final year, so make it worth it. Cherish all of your “lasts”. Your last team meal, your last kickoff, your last competition as a student team member. Don’t be upset, cherish all the memories you have and the family you’ve gained forever. Don’t lose sight of the team that helped make you who you are.

Are the sophomores and juniors- you’ve made it this far, now don’t give up. You’re the treasured ones, the ones who don’t know it all, but know enough. You’ve got training under your belt that makes you incredibly valuable, and you need to keep up the hard work. Your time to shine is here and enjoy ever moment of the stress the seniors are going to throw onto you. It’ll pay off, I promise. Keep up the hard work.

Parents while helping me load my car for college: why is this box so heavy?

Me: it's got my entire collection of the Harry Potter series

My parents: aren't you a bit old to bring that with you?

That moment when you get super excited because one of your favorite TV shows decides to include robotics as an activity to help get viewers into STEM, but then heartbroken because they didn’t do their full research on the names of parts and because they’re mixing vex, FTC, and FRC all together at once 😅